Criterium Bicycle Race Returns to Geneva

Breakaway Event Productions has requested to bring a day of professional bike racing back to Third Street in Geneva  from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 8, 2012. The City of Geneva Committee of the Whole will review the request at their meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 29, at City Hall. All interested residents and businesses are welcome.

The proposed route is the same route that was used for the 2010 criterium which utilizes a portion of South Third Street and adjoining residential streets to create a 0.8 mile course in which cyclists of different classes will compete for prize money. There are seven races scheduled throughout the day with the main event being the Men’s Pro Race at 5:45 p.m. The Mill Race Cyclery Criterium is expected to draw 500 to 700 riders with 5,000 spectators expected to attend over the course of the day.

During a race, vehicle traffic will be restricted and no parking will be allowed on the actual race course but local traffic can move in and out of the area during the race at two designated access points (Sixth and Franklin and Fifth and Campbell). Residents desiring to leave their neighborhood during the race will need to contact a Race Marshall who will assist with getting them past the riders as soon as possible. Residents within the course will be directed to reserved parking lots if they need to move a car off of the street. Race patrons will be directed to park in the commuter parking lots located on the south end of Third Street.

The main stage and information booth as well as the start/finish line will be located near the intersection of S. Third Street and Franklin Street. Other great spots to view the races for the day are on the Courthouse Lawn and 6th Street School. Cyclists from throughout theworldare expected tocompete in several race categories including Men's, Women's and Masters (35+). Last year, cycling teams from China, Taiwan, Netherlands, France, South Africa, and Germany competed in the Geneva Cycling Grand Prix. Volunteers are being sought to help with the bike race. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Lisa Pena at lisapena35@hotmail.com

For more information on the race, visit the International Cycling Classic website.

For more information please contact: Paul Evans, city of Geneva, 22 S. First S. 630-845-9654, pevans@geneva.il.us.

SOURCE: City of Geneva press release